Münster 1999 – scientific programme

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CP: Chemische Physik

CP 25: Poster: Symposium: Benetzung und dünne Filme

CP 25.35: Poster

Monday, March 22, 1999, 18:00–20:00, R52/R72

Light-Induced Shape Transitions of Giant Vesicles — •P. G. Petrov and H.-G. Döbereiner — Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow-Seehof

We present a tunable switch of membrane morphology on the basis of a light-induced chemical reaction which couples to membrane curvature. As a model system, we employ giant fluid vesicles of spherical topology. The shape of such vesicles is determined by the elastic behavior of their bilayer. Within the theory of bending elasticity of membranes, a transition from one vesicle shape to another can be understood to be driven by a change in the effective spontaneous curvature of the vesicle membrane. We demonstrate that vesicle morphology is highly sensitive to a photochemical reaction taking place in the bulk of the liquid phase. Thus, the spontaneous curvature which is the main determinant of membrane morphology can be tuned non-invasively by light. The general principle of controlling membrane curvature by bulk or interfacial chemical reactions is emphasized.